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How Can I Manage My ADHD Symptoms?

Been diagnosed with ADHD? Your health care professional will work with you to help manage your ADHD symptoms in ways that are right for your adult needs. There are many different ADHD treatments your health care professional may recommend. We'll explain some of them below:

How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used to Manage ADHD?

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective part of an ADHD management plan. It is a blend of two therapies: cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Cognitive therapy focuses on a person’s thoughts and beliefs and aims to change a person’s thinking to be more positive. Behavior therapy focuses on a person’s actions and aims to change unhealthy behavior patterns.

Not everyone with ADHD requires cognitive behavioral therapy, but it can provide important benefits.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can give you a better understanding of ADHD and how it affects your life. It can help you figure out which behaviors and areas of your life you want to change or manage differently and how you can make these changes happen. Cognitive behavioral therapy can give you strategies to help you finish tasks and be more organized and productive.

How Are ADHD Medications Used to Manage ADHD?

Several medications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD. These include central nervous system stimulants like amphetamines or methylphenidate products.

Medication may not be right for everyone. Talk with your doctor to determine if medication is appropriate to help manage your ADHD symptoms.

Although medication is not a cure, it is thought to help the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. However, the exact way these medications work is not known.

Your doctor can work with you to find out which ADHD medication works best for you.

It may take time to find the right medication and the right dose.

As with all medications, ADHD medications must be used properly.

If your doctor prescribes medication as part of the management plan, it is important that it is taken exactly as the doctor tells you to take it.

During follow-up visits, the health care professional may check:

If the medication is still effective

If the dose is right for you

If you are experiencing any side effects

If the medication is still needed

Weight, blood pressure, pulse, and other health measures

As with all medications, ADHD medications must be used properly, as directed by your health care professional.

How Can an ADHD Coach Help?

ADHD coaching is a practical intervention that can be used along with other ADHD treatment options including medication and other therapies. The focus of coaching is on the specific challenges many adults with ADHD face like planning, time management, goal setting, organization, and problem solving. With the help of a professional ADHD coach, adults with ADHD work on developing skills and strategies to help manage daily tasks.

Maintain focus to achieve selected goals

Turn goals into actions

Learn practical skills and initiate changes in daily life

Coaching is most effective for those who are ready to do the following (with the help of an ADHD coach):

The information on this site is not intended to make a diagnosis or to take the place of talking to a US health care professional.

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